Riders ‘adapt and adjust’ for real thing as pre-season wraps up
The transition from the CFL preseason to the regular season is a short one for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The Green and White has two on-field sessions scheduled before Thursday’s regular-season opener in Montreal against Darian Durant and the Alouettes.
The Riders are to practice Monday and Tuesday at Mosaic Stadium before departing Tuesday afternoon for Montreal.
“It’s pro football and you have to be able to adapt and adjust to the scheduling,’’ veteran offensive tackle Derek Dennis said after Friday’s 42-10 pre-season loss to the host B.C. Lions. “This is the CFL and I’ve been up here long enough to understand that ... You just have to mentally turn your focus to Montreal and take care of your body.’’
A lot of bodies were taken care of Saturday when the Riders announced their cuts and other roster moves. Injured lists don’t have to be announced until the day before the Riders’ regular-season opener.
The biggest name among the 20 players released by the Riders was quarterback Vince Young, a former collegiate and NFL star who was attempting a comeback at 34. Young suffered a torn hamstring on June 6 and was expected to take four to six weeks to recover.
Young didn’t appear in either of the Riders’ pre-season games, which likely contributed to his release. Despite his extensive NFL experience, he’s still considered a CFL rookie and the Riders could therefore release him without any obligation on their part.
Bryan Bennett, who was impressive during training camp, was released after struggling during both of his pre-season appearances.
The other veterans released Saturday were running back Anthony Allen, receiver/returner Joe Craig, offensive lineman Jarriel King, defensive linemen Ivan Brown, Greg Milhouse Jr., and Jordan Reaves and linebacker Dillon Grondin.
Receiver Mitchell Picton, a University of Regina Rams product, was one of four prospects placed on the suspended list. According to riderville.com, Picton is expected to return to the Rams for his fifth and final Canada West season.